Advertisement

ITV Report

10 September 2013 at 10:48pm

Miliband insists relationship with unions 'must change'

Ed Miliband has described union members as the "backbone of Britain" but insisted Labour's relationship with the unions "must change" as he delivered his keynote speech to the TUC conference in Bournemouth.

Mr Miliband said he was "absolutely determined" to drive through the controversial reforms - which would require union members to opt in to Labour affiliation as individuals rather than being automatically signed up by their unions - but admitted introducing the changes represented a "massive challenge".

Labour leader Ed Miliband Credit: PA Wire

Unions have warned Miliband that the reforms could cost Labour millions of pounds a year in affiliation fees, while the GMB has already announced it will cut its payments by around £1.1 million from January.

However the Labour Leader stated his belief that the changes could boost party membership from 200,000 to 500,000 or more:

Some people ask: what's wrong with the current system? Let me tell them: we have three million working men and women affiliated to our party. But the vast majority play no role in our party. They are affiliated in name only.That wasn't the vision of the founders of our party. I don't think it's your vision either. And it's certainly not my vision. That's why I want to make each and every affiliated trade union member a real part of their local party. Making a real choice to be a part of our party. So they can have a real voice in it.

Unison leader Dave Prentis said "lectures" about the challenge facing the historic link were a "turn off."

Mr Miliband made a number of pledges which pleased unions, including legislating on zero hours contracts, not building any new free schools, and keeping the East Coast rail line in public ownership.

Ed Miliband. Credit: PA Wire

Len McCluskey, leader of Unite, said his promises were "beginning to seal the deal" with workers, adding: "We look forward to getting more meat on the bone."

TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady said praised the speech saying: "Ed Miliband's warm reception reflected his understanding of the concerns of the modern workplace - the squeeze in living standards and the growth of exploitation through zero-hours contracts."